Fall is the perfect time to take care of the little things that can make a big difference for you and your home. Most of the tasks listed below are well with-in the average person's ability. But even if you choose to have a professional handle them, it's worth the expense. You'll save money -- and maybe even your life.

Here's the checklist at a glance. See the following pages for more detailed guidance.

Get your mind in the gutters. Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts.

Button up your overcoat. Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors with weather-stripping and caulk.

Get on top of roof problems. Inspect your roof for damaged or curled shingles, corroded flashing, or leaky vents.

Keep the humidifier humming. Clean the plates or pads to ensure efficient operation.

Head-off gas problems. If you have a gas-fired room heater, have it inspected by a pro. Also, perform any routine maintenance recommended by the maker.

Keep the wood fires burning brightly. Wood stoves are making a comeback. To avoid a deadly situation, be sure to inspect yours before firing it up.

Keep your family safe at home. A home safety check should be an annual ritual in every household. Test smoke and CO monitors, inspect (or install) fire extinguishers, review fire escape plans, and rid your home of old newspapers and other fire hazards.

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